Most people associate snake handling with Christian sects
from the American South. Taking up serpents, as he believes Jesus
commanded him to do, the Americansnake handler makes a moving
presentation of the strength of his faith.

Religious Snake Handling

The practice of snake handling is based in the Gospel according to
St. Mark, Chapter 16, verses 17 and 18. In this passage, Jesus
says,
"And these signs shall follow them that
believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak
with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands
on the sick, and they shall recover."

Various sects have concentrated on various parts of
Mark 16:17,18--many Christian churches approve of, and
encourage, speaking in tongues, and you can see preachers on your
TV set purporting to cast out devils and heal the sick every day
(especially if you have cable). Snake handlers, though, show
their faith in much more concrete terms. They put their trust
in God and show the depth of their faith by their ability to
take up serpents.

This web page will attempt to educate and inform
the public about snake handling and snake handlers. Please return
often to see new and informative features about snake handling.